Published on:
10
February 2005
A rent rise of 4.1% for 2005/06 was agreed by Councillors on Thursday (10thFebruary).
The rise means the new average rent in Clackmannanshire will be £45.32 a week, an increase of £1.78. This compares well to the Scottish average of £46.31.
Councillor Sam Ovens, Convener of the Housing, Health and Social Services Committee, said: "We have set the rent increase at a sensible level, which means local council house tenants are still paying well below the Scottish average.
"This year our investment planning is taking place in the context of a major new housing standard that has been introduced by the Government - the Scottish Quality Housing Standard. All Council houses must meet this new Standard by 2015, and our business plan for how we intend to reach that Standard will come before the Council in March
"We intend to spend around £25 million on improvements to our housing stock over the next three years, including the possibility of a pilot bathroom replacement scheme."
Head of Housing, Property and Benefit Advice John Gillespie said: "Over the past year the housing department has faced many challenges, including the restructuring which is well underway. A first submission of the Local Housing Strategy has been well received by Communities Scotland and the resubmission of our Homelessness Strategy is before the Executive.
"Over the next year we will develop initiatives to reduce the number of empty houses, such as choice based lettings, which is already providing to be a success in Sauchie."
During February every Council tenant will be asked their views on capital programme priorities and this will be followed by extensive consultation on the stock options appraisal currently being finalised including long term rental implications.
A detailed report on the Standard Delivery Plan and Stock Options will be presented to the March meeting of the Council.